The Sept. 23, 2026 book launch at Fairview Cemetery will celebrate William H. Hall’s work and nearly a century of West Hartford history.

Original 1930 edition of “West Hartford Connecticut” by William H. Hall. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Submitted

Nearly a century after the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce commissioned William H. Hall to document the story of the community, the Chamber is bringing his History of West Hartford back into print.

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the republication with a special book launch on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the historic Fairview Cemetery Chapel, 200 Whitman Ave in West Hartford.

Originally published in 1930, History of West Hartford offers a detailed account of the people, places and events that shaped the town. The new edition is a facsimile reproduction that preserves Hall’s original work while adding a new foreword by West Hartford Chamber President & CEO Chris Conway and an introduction by West Hartford Town Historian Mary Donohue. Its newly designed cover also pays tribute to the original hardcover edition.

Publication of the original 1930 edition of “West Hartford Connecticut” by William H. Hall was sponsored by the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

“There is something especially meaningful about the Chamber returning to a project it first helped bring to life nearly 100 years ago,” said Conway. “William H. Hall captured a community that was growing and evolving, and his work gives us a remarkable connection to the West Hartford that came before us. Republishing the book gives a new generation the opportunity to explore that history while also using its proceeds to invest in the community’s future through the West Hartford Chamber Foundation.”

The setting for the launch has its own connection to Hall’s legacy. Hall helped establish Fairview Cemetery and is buried there.

Fairview Cemetery chapel. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

The evening will feature a panel discussion exploring Hall’s work, West Hartford’s history, the story behind the book’s republication and the importance of preserving local history. The discussion will be moderated by Chuck Coursey, Chair of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Panelists will include:

• Chris Conway, President & CEO, West Hartford Chamber of Commerce
• Mary Donohue, West Hartford Town Historian
• Brett Freiburger, Local History Librarian, West Hartford Public Library

The book launch is presented in partnership with the Town of West Hartford and the West Hartford Chamber Foundation.

Tickets are $25 and include a copy of History of West Hartford. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Additional copies will be available for purchase at the event.

Copies of History of West Hartford are currently available at Kimberly Gifts, Good Cause Gifts, River Bend Book Shop and the Noah Webster House Gift Shop, as well as through online ordering at WHChamber.com.

Profits from book sales will benefit the West Hartford Chamber Foundation and its efforts to support the economic, civic, cultural and social well-being of the West Hartford community.

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About the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce works to support and strengthen the local and regional business community through connections, resources, advocacy, visibility and opportunities for engagement. The Chamber serves businesses and organizations throughout West Hartford and the surrounding region.

About the West Hartford Chamber Foundation

The West Hartford Chamber Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to promote and enhance the economic, civic, cultural and social well-being of West Hartford through collaborative educational and community initiatives that expand opportunity and support sustainable growth.

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